B&amp;I mfg

I just recently got what looks to be like a 8 to 10 inch horizontal lap machineat a yard sale. On one side it has a metal stamp that says Gem Maker byB&I MFG. of Burlington Wis. The motor is shot but every thing else seems tomove freely. I was woundering if anyone out there might be familiar with this brand and if the Co. is still around. You now like for spare parts and a manual.

Manny: This was once a very common machine sold through Sears & Roebuck; I believe it should only be a 6 inch diameter machine. If the motor is shot, you can get a used motor from an appliance repair shop, one from a washing machine for example. You will need a 1750 RPM motor (fairly standard) at a horsepower between 1/4 and 1/3 HP, plus one that operates on standard 120 Volts. This should be easy to get, as they are fairly common. The pulley on the motor should be about 2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter, but you may want to check John Sinkankas' book on Gem Cutting for rim speeds & pulley diameters. I have one of these old units still, which is invaluable for polishing as the horizontal wheel will hold wet polishing compounds far better than those with vertical wheels. Also, you can unscrew the "nut" on the bottom of the shaft and add grease to the receptacle, in case it has not been done in a while.

B&I gem makers were around in the late 60's to the early 70's.I have several of these machines in both 6" and 10".I have manuals for both.If you are interested in a copy email me using the above subject title.But I need to know if it is the 6 or 10".Take a measurment from the center of the arbor where the wheels go on to the shortest distance to the outer case. George....

George,If you have a manual for a 10" B&I Gem Maker, I would appreciate it. I found one at a garage sale many years ago and have made some use of it but not as much as I would have liked. My kids are now starting to collect rocks and have become interested in it. A manual would be much appreciated.Thanks,Ken Volin

George, could I also get a copy of the lap machine (6"). I recently began teaching geology at a high school and they have a lap machine in poor condition. I have it up and running, but there are some parts that I can't seem to figure out if they belong to the unit or not. the manual would help alot so that the students can use it to polish up the rocks and mineral that they collect, cut and put on display.

Hi George,In your post you say you have several of the machines in 6" and 10" and the manuals. I just bought a Craftsman on Ebay. I think it is a 10". There is a rusty 1/4" thick 10" diameter steel plate on the shaft currently. The shaft does turn freely and without any noticable wobble. The center to closest side measurement is just over 5 1/2". If you have the actual machines are any of them for sale or available for parts? I need the manual also but there are some missing or badly pitted parts that I'd like to replace. Any assistance would be appreciated.Thanks,Dick

I really would appreciate a copy of the manual for the 10" machine. If anyone can get me one, even if it is an electronic copy, I would be grateful and willing to pay a fair price for your services. Also, does anyone know if there was a facet head available for the machine?

I also recently acquired a 6" gem maker from B&I. I've searched all the avenues and this seems like the most likely way to get the manual. I would really appreciate your help if possible.smgerson@hotmail.com

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